The Milford girls’ basketball team continued the early season undefeated with wins over Thayer Central, Fairbury and Lincoln Lutheran last week.
Milford beat Thayer Central 54-41 at home in what Coach Bryce Roth described “a really big win.” The Titans were a district finalist last season and returned all five starters, he said.
The Eagles got good looks in the first quarter but weren’t able to finish and trailed by two after the period. In the second quarter, MHS rebounded well, got out in transition and made some easy baskets, Roth said.
Milford saw five shooters make three-point shots in the game. Shayla Rautenberg and Ashlynn Miller each scored 19 points, and Rautenberg finished a double double with 17 rebounds.
The Eagles were on the road Dec. 12 to play Fairbury and beat the Jeffs 62-12. Roth said every player on the varsity roster played significant minutes.
It “is great to see some of younger players step in and make the most of their opportunities,” he said.
The Eagles scored 25 points in transition, forced 26 turnovers and scored 33 points off turnovers, which Roth was pleased to see.
Rautenberg led the way again with 21 points and nine rebounds. Miller added 17 points and Abby Crabtree finished with a season-high 13 and added six assists.
“I thought our focus and edge stayed the same for all 32 minutes (it was running clock at half; we were up 46-6) no matter what the scoreboard said,” Roth said.
A quick turnaround saw Milford back on the court Dec. 13 at home against Lincoln Lutheran. Roth said the Eagles were already focused during the morning shoot around.
“It clearly showed with how the game started. We jumped out to an early lead and shut them out in the first quarter,” he said.
Milford led 20-0 after the opening period.
The challenge was to continue to play hard and not lose its edge or focus, Roth said. In the second quarter, he said, the defensive intensity dropped a bit, but the team was able to get back on track in the third, outscoring LLHS by 10.
“One thing we were exceptionally pleased with is that we didn’t give up a single offensive board during that game (so hard to do) and just overall dominated the glass,” Roth said.
Milford had 47 rebounds, 22 offensive, to 22 total boards for Lincoln Lutheran.
Rautenberg put up her fourth double double with 22 points and 21 rebounds. Miller added 15 points and was 2-2 from three-point range, one of six Eagles who connected on three-pointers.
The Eagles (5-0) have another big week on the court, Roth said. Games start Dec. 16 at home against Norris, which edged the Eagles 56-48. Milford will then host Centennial Friday, Dec. 19, at 6 p.m. and travel to Ashland-Greenwood Saturday, Dec. 20, for a 1 p.m. game.
“It’s going to be a fantastic challenge and we are looking forward to the opportunity,” Roth said. “It kind of feels like an NBA schedule so it will be great for the girls to have a break.”
